Maine’s Sudanese community celebrates independence

PORTLAND, Maine — Thousands of Sudanese immigrants marched and celebrated in Maine as their homeland celebrated its first day as an independent nation.

The Republic of South Sudan became its own country Saturday, separating from the northern half of the African nation and ending decades of struggles and wars.

While people in South Sudan celebrated, Portland’s South Sudanese community marked the occasion Saturday with a daylong celebration that included a downtown parade and hours of festivities at the Portland Expo.

The Portland Press Herald reported that people packed the bleachers at the Expo, listening to traditional music, watching basketball and dancing to the beat of Sudanese drums.